A quieter year than our 60th but still busy. Our members have had many successes in European, National and Regional events with a good number selected for the Home Internationals.
Multi players fixtures again proved popular against the Home Nations, Civil Service, Fire Brigade, Oxford Uni and many others. Tours to Ireland, York and Jersey were much enjoyed. RAC, Woodcote Park, hosted a first Doubles fixture against the Jesters and our annual Festival. The Escorts won for the first time with the title going to the winners of the last and best contest of the day.
A new Website has added a great deal of extra functionality for members, making it easier to opt into matches and find information. Brian Brock has set this up for us and it is an excellent addition for our Club.
We have lost some “big hitters” at the AGM. Philip Ayton will stand down as President. Nigel Belle will stand down after 17 years as Secretary, Newsletter editor and Archivist. Geoff Howes will be calling time after 18 years running the tournaments. All receive our sincere thanks.
Our committee members have provided sterling service in the past year. Treasurer, Robert Smith and Fixtures Sec, Nick Sheppard put in a lot of unseen work as do other committee members running Tours, Golf and writing Newsletter articles. GBV would be the poorer without them.
The Website and Newsletters provide a great deal more insight than my thumbnail sketch of the past year and I whole heartedly commend them to you as evidence of this thriving organisation.
Ian GrahamChair
On Monday 9th September 17 hardy golfers assembled at Surbiton Golf Club for the 9th Annual GB Vets Golf Day. The weather was splendid for early autumn and with the course in fantastic condition, we had the prospect of a great day’s golf ahead of us.
There were prizes for the best scores for men and separate prizes for the women.
Overall winner was Geoff Howes with Allen Barwise runner-up. Catherine Ruffle won the Ladies with Gitti Rosser second. Also, various other awards were given for longest drives and nearest the pin.
Nigel Belle was successful in getting nearest the pin, which was an improvement on his usual wooden spoon prize.
Jane Belle joined us and enjoyed a day on the course driving a buggy for Gitti.
After the golf we were treated to a fine 2-course meal with the usual post-golf analysis of where we need to improve our game.
The 10th Golf Day will be held, again at Surbiton, on Monday September 8th 2025
Geoff Howes
Full report to follow.
Match result Escorts 2 - GB Vets 2
1. Steve Illingworth lost to Steve Wright 1-3 (9/11, 6/11, 11/9, 11/13)2. Ash Chakraborty beat Karen Hume 3-2 (3/11, 15/13, 11/5, 9/11, 11/2)3. David Parker lost to Mick Murray 1-3 (11/4, 2/11, 6/11, 8/11)4. Richard Moseley beat Robert Smith 3-0 (11/9, 11/6, 11-6)
Photos from the day